Free Web NovelChapter 1113: Chapter 335: Hu Chen_3
Du Ruhui sighed, "For many, choosing between family and country isn’t possible. Both Dong Ah and Li Jianqiu are exceptional cases. I don’t know General Du Yehu well enough to discern his loyalty for Your Majesty."
When it came to the affair of Fenglin City, between Li Jianqiu and Du Yehu, he could only protect one, Li Jianqiu.
Li Jianqiu was Dong Ah’s last disciple, inherited his unending divine skills, and carried on Dong Ah’s ideals, bearing the trust of the man himself. Such a person, both publicly and privately, Du Ruhui valued greatly. frёeweɓηovel.coɱ
The intelligence report about the Yellow River Gathering that both had reviewed was now on the desk.
Zhuang Gaoxian picked up the intelligence booklet, handed it over offhandedly, and commanded, "Give this report as is to Lin Zhengren, tell him to consider it carefully."
A Little Eunuch stepped forward to take the booklet with both hands and hurried off.
Zhuang Gaoxian smiled at Du Ruhui, "Since Lin Zhengren has an agreement with me, this time I will see what achievements he can present at the Yellow River Gathering."
"I imagine he wouldn’t dare to disappoint Your Majesty," Du Ruhui said.
Zhuang Gaoxian suddenly sighed, then returned to the previous topic, "General Du Yehu being the first to ascend Suolong Gate makes him a warrior of mine, a hero of the country."
"He should be treated with dignity."
That decided Du Yehu’s fate...
As to whether it would be suicide, death by drunkenness, or a relapse of an old injury... it seemed the last option would be the most dignified.
At that time on the battlefield of Zhuang Yong, Zhuang Gaoxian had summoned Du Yehu who failed to appear. However, the Zhuang Gaoxian of that time had completely disregarded Du Yehu’s disrespect, still calling him a brave soldier, saying not to be too harsh.
He was not lacking in the means to act as a wise monarch.
And now, if Du Yehu showed even the slightest instability, he could not allow this man to continue holding military power. At the same time, he would not let someone with a certain foundation in the military leave Zhuang Country.
This too was a Monarch’s heart.
Thus, unless something unforeseen happened, Du Yehu’s fate was sealed at this moment.
In fact, Zhuang Gaoxian was still unaware of the past friendship between Du Yehu and Jiang Wang, once he found out, probably "dignity" would no longer be in question.
Du Ruhui thought for a moment but, in the end, did not persuade and simply said, "This old servant will arrange it."
"Teacher, arrange it yourself," Zhuang Gaoxian looked at him, "I wouldn’t feel at ease if anyone else handled this matter."
Du Ruhui was about to agree.
Suddenly, a palace guard hurried in and reported anxiously, "Your Majesty! Commander of the Xuan Armor Army of Jiujiang, Duan Liyin, is plotting treason, and General Du Yehu has personally captured him. He’s now imprisoned outside the palace gates!"
Zhuang Gaoxian’s eyebrows shot up, a killing intent rising.
Du Ruhui also lost composure, "What did you say?!"
The loyalty of the Commander of the Xuan Armor Army of Jiujiang, Duan Li, was known throughout the country.
He and Commander of the White Feather Army, He Badao, had fought to the death on the Zhuang Yong battlefield to hold back Yong Country’s Chengde Marquis, Li Yin, creating an opportunity for Emperor Zhuang to slay Supreme Emperor Han Yin of Yong Country.
After this battle, He Badao died in combat, and Duan Li was disabled.
Such a heroic deed was known to every person in Zhuang Country.
How could such a loyal and brave man betray his country?
How could he even consider betrayal?
The palace guard who brought the news was kneeling on the ground, very fearful.
Fortunately, Du Ruhui quickly regained his composure and directly asked, "At which gate?" freewebnøvel.coɱ
"North... North Gate!" the palace guard replied.
Looking up again, the State Minister and the Monarch, His Majesty, had already vanished.
Being the Son of Heaven and Prime Minister, they always emphasized deportment, as the exemplars for all Zhuang Country’s citizens.
When have they not appeared composed and dignified?
In the past, when Zhuang Country was weak, Du Ruhui often had to move from south to north, using his "Zhi Chi Tian Ya" divine skills, one man performing the duties of many.
Now, after the battle of Zhuang Yong had built their reputation, occasions were rare for such anxious rushing.
But regardless.
General Du Yehu, who had personally brought Duan Li to the gates of Zhuang Palace, was now once again face-to-face with the Emperor of Zhuang.
...
...
Du Yehu, with a face framed by a large bushy beard, solid muscles, and a rough appearance, undoubtedly fit people’s image of a robust soldier.
At this moment...
This moment, standing outside Zhuang Palace, holding Duan Li in one hand, he was undeniably in pain.
Contrasting with Duan Li, who continued to struggle, it was Du Yehu’s expression that seemed more desperate.
As Du Ruhui took a step forward, and the figure of Zhuang Country’s ruler appeared outside the North Palace Gate.
The White Feather Army soldiers guarding the palace gate all held their breath with rapt attention.
Du Ruhui’s gaze first and foremost was towards Duan Li, the old State Minister’s eyes filled with a tinge of sorrow.
"Why?" he asked.
Duan Li’s throat had been sealed by Du Yehu’s True Yuan, and thus had been unable to speak until now.
Du Ruhui lowered his voice, tinged with anger, "Let him speak!"
Du Yehu then loosened his grip, allowing Duan Li to fall and sit on the ground.
Duan Li wasn’t bound; as a disabled man, he needed no restraints. He couldn’t harm the State Minister, nor the Emperor — that was also the reason why Zhuang Gaoxian and Du Ruhui never thought he would betray the country.
Why couldn’t someone with no future to speak of enjoy a rich and comfortable life?
Where could a man, stripped of his cultivation, flee to? Encounter any Fierce Beast anywhere, and he would be done for.
Yet Duan Li asked, "Why?"
He looked at Du Ruhui and behind him, the ruler of Zhuang Country, smiling, "You actually ask me why?"
"General Duan," Du Ruhui shook his head, "I hope this isn’t true."
Duan Li glared bitterly at Du Yehu, but as Du Yehu stood there morose and silent, he turned back and said with a laugh, "No, it’s true. I have brought the defense maps of Yongchang Province, the spy roster of the military department, and all the core secrets of the Jiujiang Xuan Armor Army..."
